Emil Novak

Emil Novak, 95, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather departed this earthly life to join “the most beautiful woman in the world”, his dear wife of 70 years, Celeste, in the early morning of Friday, May 31, 2013. Emil was born on September 16, 1917 to Czechoslovakian immigrants, Bertha Kanicky Novak and Peter Novak, Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Peter Novak, Jr., his wife, Celeste. He attended Central High School in Oklahoma City and graduated from Proctor High School in Proctor, MN in 1936. After their first date to South Memorial Baptist Church, OKC and a year and half courtship, Emil and Celeste eloped to Gainesville, TX on October 21, 1938. They were both long-standing members of the Baptist Temple where they taught various Sunday School classes and were youth sponsors. Emil coached many church basketball and softball teams over the years. He will be remembered mostly for coaching the Baptist Temple softball team in the 1960’s and early 1970’s. In addition to being a coach, he proved to be a mentor as well. Many of his former players testify to the fact that he changed their lives. Emil was a Deacon in the church and became well known by the entire membership of the Baptist Temple for greeting people and always going out of his way to make sure that everyone felt welcome. Several years after his retirement from Kraft Foods in 1981, he became known as consummate greeter once again when he greeted at the Penn & Hefner Wal-Mart for five years. He also was known the last ten years of his life for making new and prospective residents at the Southern Plaza Retirement Center welcome while also brightening the lives of the current residents at every meal and all activities! An additional passion of his was his 63 year membership in the Northwest Optimist Club of Oklahoma City and Optimist International. He joyfully served as President of the club and many years at the fishing derby, selling Christmas trees, and in the concession stands of sporting events, but will be remembered most of all for his service as club Oratorical Chairman and state director of the event for over 50 years. He was extremely passionate about seeing young people “just get up on their feet and speak” because he knew it would benefit them throughout their lives. He was called “Mr. Oratorical” by many and was also known as “Mr. Optimist” because he was the personification of the Optimist Creed. However, everyone who knew him knows that his ultimate passion was his family and his church. Emil is survived by his daughter Janice Anderson and husband Ben; his daughter Marilyn Sullivan and husband Bill; his 5 grandchildren: Tiffany Jones and husband David, Drew Anderson, Shelby Sullivan, Lynne Sullivan Zahn and husband Stephen, Andy Sullivan and wife Lauren; and six great-granddaughters: Sarah and Hannah Jones, Regan and Addie Zahn, Hayes and Lucille Sullivan; and two great grandsons: Grant and Rhett Sullivan; as well as his sister Rose Marie Dodderer and many loving nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to the Baptist Temple, The Northwest Optimist Club or the charity of your choice.